For many Korean Zen practitioners, Chinese Zen master So Sahn's compendium of teachings The Mirror of Zen is second in importance only to the Buddha's teachings. Here, he comments on importance and risk of self-confidence.

So Sahn

Wisdom Collection

To access the content within the Wisdom Collection, join Tricycle as a Supporting or Sustaining Member

My hope is that all practitioners of the Way completely believe in their true self. You should neither lack confidence nor give rise to pride.

Mind is fundamentally equal and the same, and thus there is no real distinction between "ordinary people" and "sages." Nevertheless there are, in reality, those who wander in darkness and those who have been awakened to their true nature, thus distinguishing "ordinary people" from "sages." Following the instruction of a teacher, a practitioner may attain, in an instant, his true self, thereby realizing that he is ultimately no different from the Buddha. Hence it is said, "Originally, there is nothing," which means simply that one must not underestimate oneself, and lack confidence. This is the teaching of "sudden enlightenment."